reviews

The Twilight Gods by Hayden Thorne

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The Twilight Gods by Hayden Thorne

Blurb:

London during the Great Exhibition of 1851 is a new world of technological advances, eye-popping inventions, and glimpses of exotic treasures from the East. For fifteen-year-old Norris Woodhead it’s a time of spectral figures mingling with London’s daily crowds, and an old rectory in a far corner of the English countryside, a great house literally caught in time, where answers to curious little mysteries await him. Confined by his family’s financial woes, Norris suffers a lonely and unsatisfying time till the day he (and only he) notices “shadow-folks” in the streets. Then a strange widow appears, rents a vacant room in the house, and takes him under her wing. She becomes his guardian, slowly revealing those shadows’ secrets, Norris’ connection with them, and the life-altering choices he has to face in the end.

The Twilight Gods is a retelling of Native American folktale called “The Girl Who Married a Ghost.” Set in Victorian England, it’s an alternative perspective on a gay teen’s coming-out process, with Norris’ journey of self-discovery couched in magical and supernatural terms and imagery.

 

Review:

 

Since this is the same author that wrote the truly fabulous Masks series, I jumped at the chance to read another young adult novel by her. Unfortunately I ended up declining to review this book for the official site due to the obvious, insulting, and demeaning message that is played out with a very heavy hand. Ultimately this book tells young men that to accept your homosexuality you will be ostracized and forced into a martyr like existence where for anyone to even “see” you, you must hide what you truly are. Fabulous message for young gay adults and I only hope none actually read this book.

 

Fifteen year old Norris Woodhead is part of a poor family. With an emotionally absent father and a financially stressed mother, the family has focused on providing good prospects for their three older children. This has left Norris as an often forgotten member of the family and too poor to afford the education he so desperately wants. Instead Norris tends to make useless objects for fun and stare out the window. During one of his mindless staring sessions that Norris starts to realize he can see “shadow people” in the streets. These are specters that no one else can see or interact with but over time become more obvious and clear to Norris. With the help of an unexpected and sudden guardian angel in the form of a widow, Norris seeks to find the answers to the “shadow people” and what it means for his own choices.

 

The plot is somewhat convoluted, especially since the story leaves hints and unanswered questions up until page 200 (out of 233). It is only then that the answers are finally exposed in a very heavy handed metaphorical manner. Subtly is completely lost in this telling and unfortunately not for the betterment of the book. Norris comes to realize that the “shadow people” are actually homosexuals that have all accepted their sexuality and thus must live in isolation in the “twilight.” The reasoning behind this is because “normal” people can’t and won’t accept homosexuals or see them for who and what they are. When a homosexual wants to interact with the normal world, they must put on a “mask” to hide their true self and become visible.

 

This heavy handed and completely obvious correlation to the reaction to homosexuality doesn’t benefit the story or the characters. Instead Norris is offered the choice between his poor family, no friends, lack of education, no real prospects, and watching the petty, miserable antics of his sisters or live in happiness with other gay/shadow people where he can read all he wants, get his much desired education, experience no hardship, no problems, and no misery. To live in this gay wonderland, Norris must simply accept that he is gay and thus become invisible to his family and the real world. A bit of an obvious choice even if the boy wasn’t gay. Furthermore Norris’ acceptance of his homosexuality is tainted by these aspects, which are too one sided, and it’s almost as if his desire for an education is more a deciding factor than the sudden realization he likes boys.

 

The catalyst for Norris’ revelation is a shadow boy named Tom. Norris supposedly is enamored of Tom and wants a friendship/relationship with him, but at 15 years old Norris doesn’t quite know what that entails. Instead he focuses on the happiness and joy he feels when he’s not alone and among those who accept him unconditionally. There is very little to Tom and almost no characterization afforded him. Tom seems to pop up in scenes to help Norris discover it’s better to be gay but there is very little connection and depth between the two boys. Once Norris accepts he is gay, Tom ceases to be an important figure. Similarly the guardian angel of Mrs. Cavendish is weak and ineffectual. She guides Norris to discovering his sexuality yet refuses to answer any questions and acts more like a shadow person travel guide than an actual emotional and intellectual support for the confused Norris.

 

I was disturbed by the hints that the shadow people were actually all the homosexuals in historical London and thus deeply disappointed this came out to be true. The obvious parallels are overdone and actually accept that to be gay you will never fit in and never be accepted. Why is this a positive message to send to young gay adults? And that the price you pay – losing all your family, friends, and life in a normal world – for the acceptance of who and what you are, is worth it. I’m not even sure the characters in the book agree with such a sentiment let alone anyone reading this. But in the book no one really missed Norris once he was gone and barely looked for him, just accepting his magical disappearance.

 

Other than the problematic message, the story has an engaging voice and interesting prose. The story is mostly handled in a light hearted, fluffy manner where the antics of a poor family are slightly mocked for their petty fights, desire for fashion and reaching above their station and overall present a sad and aloof depiction of a poor family’s life in that era. The story is told from Norris’ third person point of view and he is often detached from the family and daily activities so thus the reader is detached and develops no real connection to this group of people. Their antics are light and mocking without any real bite. The telling is neither humorous nor dour, but more so easy until the end. The book is slightly unfocused as it follows Norris’ day to day life, showing a marked lack of interest and action. It is only through the heavy hand of Mrs. Cavendish and Tom that Norris even considers his sexual orientation and slowly realizes what that means for his future.

 

Overall I’d suggest staying away from this book. Perhaps the sentiment is one that appeals and is relatable to many – feeling isolated and ignored for their sexuality – but it’s also insulting to both heterosexual and homosexual people. But that’s just my opinion. Instead I’ll leave you with the final sentiment the story ends on:

 

Norris’ gaze drifted from one person to the next. “Will they ever see me again?”

 

“Only if they look closely enough,” Tom replied, glancing down at him with a rueful yet fond smile. “Of course, you’ll have a mask to use once you’re done at the great house and are ready to head forth into university. Everyone will see you then.”

 

“But not as I really am.”

 

Tom nodded. “Not as you really are.”

 

Norris fell silent as he mulled things over. “Do you think that it will happen someday? That my family will see me without my mask on?”

 

“It all depends on them, I think.”

 

 

Body & Soul: a PsyCop Novel by Jordan Castillo Price

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Body & Soul: a PsyCop Novel by Jordan Castillo Price

 

Blurb:

Thanksgiving can’t end too soon for Victor Bayne, who’s finding Jacob’s family hard to swallow. Luckily, he’s called back to work to track down a high-profile missing person.

 

Meanwhile, Jacob tries to find a home they can move into that’s not infested–with either cockroaches, or ghosts. As if the house-hunting isn’t stressful enough, Vic’s new partner Bob Zigler doesn’t seem to think he can do anything right. A deceased junkie with a bone to pick leads Vic and Zig on a wild chase that ends in a basement full of horrors.

 

Review:

 

The third book in the PsyCops series and while these novellas are fun to read and enjoyable, they are starting to feel like fluff and completely unnecessary. This particular offering, Body and Soul, is even more unfocused than the last book in the series and seems to do nothing to further the characters development or the series in general. It’s an easy read with an engaging voice, great dialogue and tight descriptions but the mystery portion is definitely the weakest of the book and the progression of the series is non-existent. Fans of the series will likely want to continue with the unique setting and entertaining voice of Vic, but hopefully the next few books are tighter with a purpose to their actions.

 

Here Vic is called into work during the Thanksgiving holiday. He is to find a group of seemingly random but connected missing persons, one of whom is the son of a political player in Chicago. While this investigation is going on, Jacob is house hunting and Vic must help ensure that their future house is ghost free and an appropriate sanctuary.

 

The story has some interesting promise with Vic meeting Jacob’s family but this is ruined with the long and unnecessary information offered at the beginning. No doubt this is meant to catch readers up and remind them of the past books but it felt repetitive and lengthy as the conflict that could happen fizzles out and goes nowhere as Vic soon leaves the family holiday anyway. The mystery he leaves for is also full of possibility but again goes nowhere really and the final resolution is absurd, slightly confusing, and uninteresting. This is frustrating as the mystery portions of the books are increasingly becoming unnecessary and pointless. They allow Vic’s internal dialogue and commentary to litter the page in an appealing way but the purpose to the movements and actions is diluted and without purpose.

 

Furthermore the progression of Vic and Jacob’s relationship to the point of living together and even using the dreaded “L” word appears in this offering, but very little attention and time is actually spent on the two. Instead the story seems to meander from the day to day workings of the investigation, which largely offer no insight into the mystery as almost all their efforts are fruitless. The narrative follows the crazy twists and turns of Vic’s mind and his ability to see and talk to ghosts. This offers the most entertainment and humor as Vic’s first person narrative keeps the story moving, interesting, and with a gritty detail that hallmarks the series. However, there is very little actual depth and meaning to these activities. Vic drifts from scene to scene, mostly talking to ghosts or in his mind about his addictions and fears and past, while the other members of the cast orbit around Vic with small insertions such as dialogue or sex or commentary.

Here there is no additional depth to Jacob’s character and any time Vic does or says something strange, Jacob seems to be turned on. This is explained that Jacob has a bit of a fetish about paranormal activity which unfortunately had me wondering this particular book if Jacob really loves Vic or just gets off on Vic’s paranormal ability. This was an uncomfortable feeling and one I actively worked to ignore/put aside since I like the couple a lot but wanted more depth and emotion between the men and not just the paranormal aspects. Of course these cloud and overwhelm Vic on an almost constant basis but there has to be more to their relationship. I’m waiting to find out what that is exactly and hopefully that will be apparent in future books.

 

So while I really enjoy reading these, when I put this particular book down I realized I could have skipped it entirely and moved on to the next book. This goes nowhere, adds nothing although thoroughly entertaining to read. I will say this is not the new 2nd edition that is coming out in a week of so (perhaps I should have waited?) so perhaps the new edited edition is tighter and more polished. Either way, I’ll continue on to Secrets and I really love the Vic/Jacob match up, so here’s to hoping there is more depth.

Get it HERE!

 

Jet Mykles’s Just for You

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Just for You by Jet Mykles

Blurb:

Justin falls for Kevin the instant they pass each other on a sidewalk. Only, Kevin’s not gay. The higher ups at Kevin’s company are gay, however, and Kevin’s accidental meeting with Justin gives him an idea how to get around his controlling female supervisor. If he can gain access to the top men at an exclusive gay club, he might be able to finally share his ideas.

Justin instantly agrees to be his date, despite the obvious heartbreak that’s headed his way for going out with a straight man. At the club, Kevin gets a chance to meet the company owner, Victor Chen, and the man seems interested… both in his ideas and his date.

Kevin can’t deny his attraction to Justin, but he’s not gay. Right? He should step aside and let Justin have a chance to date Victor, who’s gorgeous, rich, and shares Justin’s interest in fashion. Despite his internal struggles, he really wants to explore their growing bond. Justin is certainly game, but a part of him knows they can’t have a future together…can they?

 

[I love PL Nunn’s work.]

Review:

 

This is a cute, fun, flirty and easy story with a classic gay for you main character, a self-esteem crisis and some over the top stereotypes. Adding to the mix is Mykles’ great prose and way with characters and this story may be full of clichés and some outrageous elements but it’s delightful and entertaining to read. Mykles has a way with characters and stories that inject humor into what could otherwise be ridiculous. Fans of the author will definitely want to check out this offering just as those readers looking for something light and quick will devour this story in one sitting.

 

The story starts off with a bang when flamboyant clothier Justin sees the man of his dreams on the sidewalk. Chasing down his prince charming Justin is heartbroken to learn that Kevin is sadly not gay but Justin can’t help offering his name just in case Kevin changes his mind. As luck would have it, Kevin suddenly needs to pretend to be gay to advance at work and Justin comes in very handy. What starts as a ruse soon becomes more as Kevin realizes he just may be gay for the right man.

 

Justin may be a stereotype gay man but he’s hilarious, entertaining, and thoroughly absorbing. His initial over the top personality soon shows more depth as he struggles with letting his heart run away to a straight man. Justin shows an ease and confidence that contrasts starkly with Kevin’s mess of confusion, fear, and insecurity. Justin’s few moments of doubt are heartfelt and create a solid characterization that extends beyond the classic fashion obsessed outline. Similarly Kevin shows refreshing delight in his ease in accepting his desire and feelings for Justin. Kevin doesn’t agonize about suddenly wanting and caring for a man, instead Kevin wonders why Justin would want him over a more attractive, more successful confident gay man. The nice change to this crisis of self confidence is that the scenes felt honest and would have happened even if Justin was female. Kevin needed to gain security and appreciation for himself, regardless of his partner’s gender.

 

The plot itself bounces around some with the emphasis first on Kevin breaking into the upper ranks at work in their gay men’s club but then evolves into the head of the company aggressively pursuing Justin. The main conflict comes with Kevin’s passive nature and Victor’s pursuit. The various secondary characters are fun and especially the little seen Frank and Glenn/Rachel. All three of these were interesting and entertaining, more so than the outrageous cliché of Luis and Kat, so the only complaint would be too little was seen of these great characters. Other than this, the story is meant to be humorous and light, not taking each element too seriously and injecting an element of fun which lets the reader laugh at the ridiculous antics. The quick pace, engaging prose, and solid writing creates a winning offering you won’t want to miss. 

Get it HERE!

Love & Loyalty by Tere Michaels

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Love & Loyalty by Tere Michaels

Blurb:
Detective Jim Shea is a Seattle homicide detective who has never taken his work home with him ~ until now. A case has gotten under his skin and though it’s "over," it isn’t for Jim. The emotional toll has left him vulnerable and tied to the victim’s dying father.

Meanwhile, Hollywood comes calling for a hot story, and screenwriter Griffin Drake sees the tragic case as his ticket to more serious fare than his usual action blockbusters. But to get the whole story he needs to win over the stoic and protective Detective Shea.

Neither man has had much luck when it comes to romance or long-term relationships and neither is particularly looking but there’s an attraction from their first meeting that can’t be denied. Their impromptu first date seems to have no end in sight ~ quickly becomes a barreling freight train of romance.

Looming problems outside threaten their relationship ~ death, secrets and broken trust ~ and they’ll have to learn loyalty to save their new found love.

great sequel

Ethan Day’s Dreaming of You

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Dreaming of You by Ethan Day

Blurb:

Restaurateur Aden Ingle has been in love with the perfect man since his fourteenth birthday. Unfortunately, his perfect boyfriend only exists in his dreams. But Aden’s always believed it was his destiny to meet his dream man, and he’s perfectly content to wait around for him to walk into his real life.

 

When he meets Logan Price at a Hotel/Restaurant Trade Show, he finds himself drawn to this man who shakes him out of his dream world. Pretty soon, the flesh and blood reality is becoming more appealing than the fantasy. The only problem is Logan lives half way across the country in California.

 

Aden’s going to have to choose whether to give up everything he’s built for himself professionally and uproot his whole life for Logan, or wait for the man from his dreams to become a reality.

 

[For some reason every time I see this cover, I think its a man and a woman. Maybe it’s the towel]

 

Review:

 

This fun, exaggerated comedy is meant to be read in a light hearted manner. The characters and situations are over the top, creating outlandish personalities that clash and pop in a comic setting that is just as outrageous as the people. If you can get into the characters and zany antics, this is a breezy summer read with a lot of humor thrown in. The actual personalities are certifiable and can’t possibly exist without medicated help but the book is very much a nod to pop culture, romantic comedies. If you enjoy those sorts of movies, you’ll want to go along on Aden’s ride.

 

Aden is a total klutz and has such an exaggerated personality – I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a caricature of the author or a close friend. Aden is described as incredibly hot and good looking but his odd quirks and weird habits tend to cause some problems for his relationships. He has a tendency to shout out loud in response to his inner conscience, keep a detailed karma point balance, and can’t manage to walk and chew gum without getting a concussion. He manages to turn every possible smooth move into an ad for medicated help. However, despite all his problems and quirks, he has a charm that draws men and women alike to his inherently good nature.

 

Throughout his life Aden has always had dreams of one man. These dreams are different and complex ranging from new meetings to honeymoons and vacations. These dreams created a fantasy world for Aden to slip into and escape the stress and loneliness in his life. Aden’s fantasy world is challenged when he meets the all too real Logan. Logan is also in the restaurant business but is a chef and for some reason, all those quirks and odd behaviors of Aden’s that drive his friends insane, Logan loves that about Aden. Their whirlwind romance becomes a long distance relationship and just when things start to get serious, Aden’s dream man may just be real. Aden must make some tough choices and risks to find happiness.

 

The characters are all as over the top as their antics. Fag hag and physically abusive Finn is a fun character even though her friendship is a bit suspect. Nathan is a good support and perhaps the only normal one of the entire group and thus gets little to no real depth and action in the storyline. Logan is sympathetic and a strong support for Aden, though he is often very one note. The development of his character starts well and hits some bumps, mostly because the story revolves around Aden to the point that there is less development for others than how Aden reacts to those around him. Since the narrative is in first person for Aden, he is the only fully realized character. The actions of everyone around him range from thinking he’s incredibly weird to being charmed by his oddball behavior. Aden has his own set of insecurity and fears and reactions, which move the story along at a quick, comic pace but allow for little real progress.

 

This is a fun, light story that is weak on the angst and emotional maturity and long on the quirky, romantic comedy actions with numerous nods to pop culture. The story line is light and moves incredibly fast with engaging, witty dialogue. The ridiculous characters add many elements of fun if the reader can laugh along with their humor. I wasn’t fully invested in the story and thus had some “is he crazy or just psycho” moments, however, it’s worth going along for the ride in the light hearted manner it’s intended. There are a lot of classic stereotypes and tropes thrown in but nothing overwhelms the story and Aden is a charming narrator with all his weirdness. This isn’t one I’d re-read but for a summer story to laugh with, it accomplished that goal. 

Get it HERE!

Rowan McBride’s One Shot

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One Shot by Rowan McBride

Blurb:

Nick Carlyle understands the intricacies of his job better than anyone. He lives to crunch those numbers and his skills are valued throughout the company. If his personal life might be lacking, he doesn’t notice, especially whenever he steals a harmless glance or two at Riley Jameson’s tight body. But he’s the boss, and that means look but don’t touch.

When a universal flu shot is developed, it’s hailed as a miracle, and rightly so. But the seemingly harmless side effects begin to change the world, warping the statistics that Nick’s always used to guide him through life. Everything he thought he knew is suddenly upside down.

No one changes as much as Riley. Suddenly the young man is bigger, stronger. He’s also aggressive in ways Nick isn’t prepared for, and for the first time analyzing the numbers does nothing to help the situation.

Now, his numbers only add up when it comes to Riley.

 

Review:

 

This is an over the top, outrageous, and ultimately fun yaoi influenced story. The antics and actions are sometimes completely ridiculous, yet there is a certain humor and enjoyment if you’re willing to let go and just enjoy the ride. The characters have appeal and interest and while the story is far fetched, it’s just a vehicle to introduce yaoi characteristics to the pairing. On the downside the lead character of Nick is entirely too obsessive compulsive and whines throughout the entire book. However, if you can get past that – and I surprisingly did – this might be the fun yaoi book that satisfies.

 

In this day and age of flu shots, the particular shot in this book also has the added bonus of increasing height in the majority of the recipients. Nick is very happy at an even 6 feet but worries and stresses that everyone else will be taller than him and thus making him the dreaded “average.” Nick worries that being average will ultimately cause him to lose income, be less attractive, and even lose intelligence. While Nick is worrying about the increased height of everyone else, he doesn’t run out and get the shot himself since it’s known that 0.4% of people actually –lose- height and that’s a gamble he’s not willing to risk. It’s not until Nick’s paranoia reaches untenable levels that he finally gives in and gets the shot himself.

 

Unfortunately, Nick classically is in the rare percentage that loses height instead of gains and he shrinks from 6 feet even to a perky 5’8”. Here the confident, intelligent, if obsessive, Nick turns insecure and whiney as he complains about his height, his looks, his intelligence, and even his sex appeal. While everyone around him is taller and to him, more attractive, he is ignorant and clueless to his own appeal. Nick can’t fathom how anyone would be interested in him and the one person who has always shown interest, Riley, must be using Nick in some horrible, evil way now that Nick is shorter and thus vulnerable.

 

The characterization in the book is uneven. On the one hand there is Nick who whines enough to annoy likely the most placid reader, yet this is tempered by the adorable character of Riley. Riley grows to massive, hulk-like status just by breathing. He is constantly outgrowing his clothes whenever he happens to take a deep breath or encounter Nick. Riley even has some hilarious and ridiculous scenes when his (also growing) dick bust through his clothes. This is very reminiscent to the Hulk getting a woody. Funny, over the top, and potentially painful but entertaining in a comic book style. This is where the book is able to transcend the ridiculous premise into a story with typical yaoi personalities and some fun sex scenes.

 

The writing is engaging, so much so that the whiney Nick doesn’t ruin the story. The dialogue is sometimes strong and interesting and overall the emphasis and intense focus on muscle building didn’t bother me. This clearly is a fantasy story that will appeal to those with a muscle fetish first and foremost, yaoi fans as well, but the prose choice and voice compliment the story. At times I rolled my eyes and others I was fully invested in the story. If you’re looking for a cute, funny story with a bloated emphasis on muscle growth – this will definitely satisfy. 

Get it HERE!

Criss Cross by Jordan Castillo Price

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Criss Cross by Jordan Castillo Price

Blurb:

Criss Cross finds the ghosts surrounding Victor getting awfully pushy. The medications that Victor usually takes to control his abilities are threatening to destroy his liver, and his new meds aren’t any more effective than sugar pills.

Vic is also adjusting to a new PsyCop partner, a mild-mannered guy named Roger with all the personality of white bread. At least he’s willing to spring for the Starbucks.

Jacob’s ex-boyfriend, Crash, is an empathic healer who might be able to help Victor pull his powers into balance, but he seems more interested in getting into Victor’s pants than in providing any actual assistance.

 

 

Review:

Sometimes proficient authors with large backlists can be scary with such questions as where to start and how to sample without feeling overwhelmed. Thankfully Jordan Castillo Price has made things really really easy for those readers who haven’t sampled her fabulous PsyCops series. When I first read Among The Living, it was offered as a free download to entice readers. I have no doubt it worked since it intrigued me enough to buy the next 2 books immediately. Now that offer is gone but JCP still offers the first HALF of Among the Living for free over at GLBT bookshelf. Now that’s a deal. Additionally her site now makes it crystal clear how the series is to be read and in what order. It truly makes my little reader heart soar with happiness. I mention this specifically because I had commented on such problems when I read the first book. So enough of that – how was Criss Cross you may ask. It was a pretty good sequel, not as good as the first but enough to hook me on the series definitely.

Here Vic, our favorite drug popping psychic cop has a new partner. Unfortunately the ghosts around him have multiplied and Vic’s favorite drug induced coma coping mechanism has been taken away from him. Not to mention Vic seems to be channeling a dead killer while sleeping with his kind of new boyfriend, Jacob. As if all of this wasn’t enough, Jacob’s ex appears to help Vic cleanse his aura and Lisa is calling with cryptic messages from California. Vic must sort it all out before his head explodes or his liver does from drug use.

Told again in first person point of view from Vic’s perspective, the strength of the story relies on Vic’s drug popping nature and his dry sense of humor. The ability to recognize crazy in himself and still manage to function is a cornerstone of the story, and series, when his drug use and instability would incapacitate most people. The story itself is somewhat indistinct and loose and lacks a strong focus. There is a purpose to the action, but the reasoning is vague and limited to the last few pages. Several of the set up scenes are obvious in their intent and Vic’s constant distraction and absent attention can be frustrating. That guy with a chainsaw at 2 am is not necessarily just cutting down a bothersome tree people. However there are always reasonable excuses for each lapse on Vic’s part, even if the reader is annoyed at the lack of intelligence sometimes.

Another of the strengths of the story is the solid characterization and furthering the relationship between Vic and Jacob. Although neither man is given more depth than the previous novella, their relationship is strong, interesting, and engaging without overwhelming the story with sappy, unnecessary romance and sentimentality. The strong, silent nature of their relationship works very well so the focus of Vic’s mental chaos doesn’t overwhelm the story with too many components. Additionally the engaging voice and dialogue make the story a fun, entertaining read and one you don’t want to put down. There is subtle humor, horror, and paranormal elements deftly woven into the setting and characters creating a unique atmosphere and series that instantly attracts and draws readers in from the first scene to the last. The quick pace and dry wit keep readers connected to the story and interested in the outcome.

Although the story lacked a strong focus and meandered along for most of the novella, the great writing keeps this as a fun, must read for the series. The urban fantasy setting is more complex and intricate in this book so that also helps cover the lack of complicated mystery. The wonderful writing, tight descriptions, and crisp pose make this a solid story you won’t want to miss. If you haven’t started the PsyCops series I suggest you do so and I personally am excited to read the next books and hope to eventually get through that extensive backlist and series.

Get it HERE! 

 

Lessons in Power by Charlie Cochrane

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Lessons in Power by Charlie Cochrane

Blurb: 
The ghosts of the past will shape your future. Unless you fight them.


Cambridge, 1907

After settling in their new home, Cambridge dons Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart are looking forward to nothing more exciting than teaching their students and playing rugby. Their plans change when a friend asks their help to clear an old flame who stands accused of murder.

Doing the right thing means Jonty and Orlando must leave the sheltering walls of St. Bride’s to enter a labyrinth of suspects and suspicions, lies and anguish.

Their investigation raises ghosts from Jonty’s past when the murder victim turns out to be one of the men who sexually abused him at school. The trauma forces Jonty to withdraw behind a wall of painful memories. And Orlando fears he may forever lose the intimacy of his best friend and lover.

When another one of Jonty’s abusers is found dead, police suspicion falls on the Cambridge fellows themselves. Finding this murderer becomes a race to solve the crime…before it destroys Jonty’s fragile state of mind.

 

more of noodle head and idiot…

Screen Shots 4: Submission by Willa Okati

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Screen Shots 4: Submission by Willa Okati

Blurb:
Skyler, a new recruit to twentysomethingtwinks.com, has one mission in mind: to get Thom, the cool, collected lead cameraman, naked and sweaty between the sheets. Skyler’s used to getting what he wants. So is Thom.

Skyler does know that Thom used to work on the other side of the camera. What he doesn’t know is that Thom specialized in training submissives. If you ask Thom, what Skyler needs is a damn good spanking. If Skyler doesn’t watch out, he’s in for a lesson on how to mind his manners.

Lucky Skyler — that’s exactly what he gets.

 

 

Review: 

I wonder if there can be too many books from an author. Since the Screen Shots series started, a new book has been published every month and the quality is definitely starting to slip. Although the series is about a gay porn company and have very thin plots weaving together a lot of sensuality and sex scenes, the characters are getting more wooden and unappealing with each successive offering. The latest book is the worst of the series and can’t be saved even with hot BDSM sex. Additionally there are several writing errors that make me wonder if these books are being pushed out too soon and ultimately to the detriment of the series. As I like the author quite a bit and want to like this series, I’m pretty disappointed and let down.

Thom is one of the behind the scenes wranglers and directors of the twentysomethingtwink.com company. Although he once was in front of the camera, his intensity and sexual kinks scared too many newcomers away and he transitioned to behind the lens. For six long years Thom has abstained from sex, earning his nickname “The Priest” from the porn cast. Now that long hiatus ends when brand new star Skyler pushes his way into Thom’s life. Thom recognizes the need to be dominated in the young man and happily complies.

The story starts out attempting to show Thom’s great control in the face of a pouting, immature Skyler. Skyler flounces around and tries to get Thom’s attention while he stoically and bravely ignores the young man. Often other porn stars would comment on the actions but do so in a mysterious way, leaving the reader confused over the intentions of the conversation. There is a lot of missed information and context as if there is some big secret that the reader isn’t allowed to know. This is frustrating and also unnecessary since the only secret is Thom’s love of domination, which is stated up front. So all the attempts at subterfuge and misdirection add nothing to the story and in fact create an awkward beginning.

When Thom and Skyler finally get together, all the action takes place over the course of one day. Skyler has so much sex that day it verges into impossible and turns a pouty, stubborn Skyler into the a demure, happy submissive with just a few words and a toy or two in merely one day. The lightening quick change focuses almost exclusively on the sex aspects to the exclusion of either man’s personality. There are brief mentions to Thom’s belief in past lives but this is completely dropped once it’s mentioned so why this information is included at all is confusing. Furthermore neither man is developed, both wooden and one dimensional beyond their sexual chemistry.

As with all the books in the series, the focus on accepting sex with the other stars as normal is a key component. Here after a six year no sex rule, Thom is ready to indulge once again with all the current porn stars. This decision doesn’t make sense for either man’s personality, their dynamic or the entire set up of the company and weak rationale for why the casual sex between friends is acceptable. Yet the book ends with Thom and Skyler happily agreeing to have casual sex with the other men now and even a mention of a ten man orgy. From these frustrating aspects to the various other stars that have all blended together and then adding in writing and editing mistakes, I ultimately was incredibly disappointed and ultimately wish I hadn’t read this book.  

I like this series and am a fan of hot BDSM sex yet with the poor execution of the plot with the holes and lack of depth to the characters, this offering felt like it was pushed out before it was ready. This makes me worried for future books in the series or perhaps this one will simply be the worst of the group and they will go back to the fun, flirty, sex filled fluff the series intends. I sadly can’t recommend this title but perhaps others in the series will improve.

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